Nestled within the coronary heart of the South Island, Christchurch, generally known as the ‘Backyard Metropolis’ is a scorching spot for adventurers and cultural aficionados alike. From punting down the serene Avon River to exploring the panoramic vistas of the Port Hills, this information unveisl the highest issues to do in Christchurch. Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker, a historical past buff, or a nature lover, get able to embark on a unprecedented journey via considered one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and dynamic cities.
The Greatest Issues to do in Christchurch, NZ
This information was initially written by Melissa Grossi, an ex-pat who has made Christchurch her dwelling since 2015, and it has been up to date for 2024 by The Planet D. So sit again and revel in as we discover all the brand new issues and actions in Christchurch and revisit among the previous favorites.
1. Punting on the Avon River
One of the standard actions in Christchurch is to go punting on the Avon River. Arms to coronary heart, Punting on the Avon River Tour is a fairly unique method to go sightseeing and is an iconic place to go to in Christchurch!
What’s punting on the Avon River? It’s a gondola experience on a ship generally known as a punt. Wearing Edwardian apparel, a talented punter takes you slowly via the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Guests love to take a seat again and loosen up on their punts as they go for a gondola experience whereas watching the wildlife and surroundings alongside the Avon River.
Excursions depart from 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central, each day from 9 am to six pm. It prices $30 NZD for adults and $ 15 NZD for youths.
2. Journey the Christchurch Gondola
If you’re on the lookout for among the greatest views of town and the Canterbury Plains the Christchurch Gondola is a must-do. This scenic experience takes you to the summit of the Port Hills, providing a 360-degree panorama that features the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour. Get your gondola tickets prematurely right here.
On the high, discover the Time Tunnel exhibit, detailing the realm’s volcanic and human historical past, or get pleasure from a chew on the café with its gorgeous vistas. Ideally suited for households, {couples}, or solo vacationers the Christchurch Gondola offers a singular perspective of the area’s numerous landscapes, making it a standout attraction in any Christchurch journey itinerary.
3. Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an all-time traditional and positively one of many high points of interest in Christchurch! They’re related to Hagley Park, town’s fundamental –and largest– park. Discover the Rose Backyard, New Zealand’s native bush sections and loosen up by one of many many secret benches surrounding the lakes.
The doorway is free. Over the winter months, the gate’s closing time is 6.30 pm. In any other case, it’s 8.30 pm or 9 pm. Dedicate at the very least one hour to discover the various areas and gardens of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4. Journey the Christchurch Tram
Driving the Christchurch Tram provides a singular and fulfilling method to discover town’s key points of interest. This historic tramway, with its fantastically restored trams, takes you on a loop round Christchurch, passing landmarks like Cathedral Sq., the Avon River, and the Arts Centre. The hop-on, hop-off characteristic lets you discover websites at your individual tempo, making it an excellent alternative for first-time guests and people eager to revisit Christchurch’s highlights.
A day cross usually prices round NZD 35 for adults, (children are free!) providing limitless rides, making it an reasonably priced and handy method to sightsee. The tram drivers typically double as guides, offering informative commentary in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and factors of curiosity. The Christchurch Tram expertise isn’t just a mode of transportation however an attraction in itself, completely mixing historic appeal with sensible metropolis touring.
5. New Regent Road
Should you’ve ever seen pictures of Christchurch, for positive you already know about this cute little pedestrian passage only one road off Cathedral Sq.! Vacationers and locals alike love New Regent Road! Guests love to take a seat and watch the tramway cross by whereas having a drink exterior one of many many cafés and wine bars that line New Regent Road.
New Regent Road in Christchurch is a good vacation spot for vacationers on the lookout for a mixture of procuring and eating. This pedestrian-only road is understood for its Spanish Mission-style structure providing a variety of boutique outlets and native eateries.
Guests can get pleasure from looking distinctive shops, grabbing a espresso at a comfortable café, or eating at one of many road’s eating places. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed stroll, providing a pleasing break from the extra bustling components of town. Whether or not you’re purchasing for souvenirs or simply need to soak within the native ambiance, New Regent Road is a must-visit in Christchurch.
6. Go to the Worldwide Antarctic Centre
The Worldwide Antarctic Centre is a high attraction for these within the wonders of the Antarctic. This interactive middle brings the icy continent to life with experiences just like the Antarctic Storm simulation, an encounter with reside penguins, and the Hägglund experience, simulating Antarctic journey.
Positioned close to the airport, this is among the greatest issues to do in Christchurch for households. Stroll into the storm dome and really feel the coolness of Antarctica and revel in its 4D cinema. And finish with a go to to work together with huskies. You’ll have the chance to snuggle and pet the fluffy Huskies that explorers traditionally used to drag their Antarctic dogsleds.
The Worldwide Antarctic Middle isn’t just an exhibit; it’s a hands-on journey into the center of the Antarctic, providing instructional insights and enjoyable for all ages. Ideally suited for households or anybody interested in polar exploration, the Worldwide Antarctic Centre is a must-see in Christchurch. Whether or not you’re braving the indoor storm or studying about Antarctic wildlife, it’s an unforgettable addition to your Christchurch itinerary. You should purchase your tickets prematurely right here.
7. Victoria Park and the Port Hills
Should you nonetheless have a little bit of time and power left after a busy day, you may head to Victoria Park, up within the Port Hills. It’s among the finest actions in Christchurch for sundown. Only a quarter-hour’ drive from Central Christchurch separates this gorgeous sundown spot and mountaineering space!
Providing a community of trails for mountaineering, mountain biking, and scenic walks, the Port Hills present gorgeous views of town, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. The realm, wealthy in each Maori and European historical past, is definitely accessible from town middle, making it an ideal day journey for these searching for a pure escape.
Common spots just like the Bridle Path and the Summit Street provide various levels of problem for all health ranges. Whether or not you’re after a leisurely stroll or a difficult bike experience, the Port Hills cater to each kind of adventurer. This pure playground not solely provides bodily actions but additionally serves as a improbable spot for images, picnics, and easily having fun with the panoramic vistas of Christchurch and its environment.
8. Christchurch Journey Park
The Christchurch Journey Park is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, providing a variety of thrilling actions set towards the backdrop of the Port Hills. Famend for its mountain biking trails, the park caters to all ability ranges, from learners to specialists.
In addition to biking, it boasts New Zealand’s longest zipline, offering an exhilarating experience with gorgeous views. The park additionally encompasses a café and bar the place you may loosen up after your adventures. E-book a zipline Tour for sweeping views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean.
Costs fluctuate based mostly on actions, with bike passes and zipline excursions obtainable for buy. Simply accessible from town middle, it’s an ideal day trip for households, teams, or solo adventurers wanting so as to add some adrenaline to their Christchurch go to. Whether or not you’re hitting the paths or hovering over treetops, the Christchurch Journey Park guarantees a memorable and action-packed expertise. You may additionally like: The place to Go Bungy Leaping in New Zealand
9. Canterbury Museum
One other traditional of the Christchurch points of interest is the museum was one of many few spots individuals may go to, at the very least partially, after the earthquakes. It absolutely reopened in 2013.
Entrance is free, although donations are inspired! The Museum opens each day from 9 am to five or 5.30 pm.
10. Arts Centre of Christchurch
Now guests can take part in lots of free occasions, e-book artful workshops, get a tattoo, take heed to a live performance, have a espresso, or simply stroll across the revolutionary outlets.
The Arts Centre in Christchurch is ideal for these searching for a mix of historical past, artwork, and creativity. This Gothic Revival complicated was fantastically restored after the earthquakes and homes a variety of galleries, studios, cinemas, and efficiency areas.
Guests can get pleasure from a various array of displays, artisan outlets, and weekend markets. Positioned within the coronary heart of town, the Arts Centre is a vibrant group hub, excellent for artwork lovers and curious vacationers alike. Whether or not you’re curious about modern artwork, native crafts, or reside performances, the Arts Centre offers a wealthy, immersive expertise in Christchurch’s dynamic arts scene.
Free entry. Open each day of the week from 10 am to five pm. Make certain to set 1 hour apart to your go to!
11. Christchurch Artwork Gallery
For nearly 5 years, the Christchurch Artwork Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet was closed to the general public. Till its grand reopening in 2015 after intensive constructing repairs, it was serving as emergency headquarters and short-term lodging for the Christchurch Metropolis Council Employees.
It appears exhausting to think about the early days now as one wanders the spacious halls crammed with modern displays in such a peaceable setting.
Free guided 45-60 minutes excursions depart from the entrance desk on the bottom ground every day at 11 am and a couple of pm.
The gallery opens from 10 am to five pm every day and hosts weekly occasions.
12. Go to the Air Power Museum of New Zealand
A go to to the Air Power Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch is a journey via aviation historical past, good for fanatics and households alike. This museum provides a formidable assortment of plane, from World Warfare I fighters to fashionable jets, every with its personal story.
Interactive displays, together with flight simulators, present a hands-on expertise, permitting you to step into the footwear of a pilot. The museum additionally pays homage to New Zealand’s Air Power heritage, providing insights into the nation’s navy aviation historical past. With free entry, it’s a budget-friendly and academic outing, excellent for these curious about plane and navy historical past. The Air Power Museum presents a singular alternative to stand up shut with aviation legends, making it a notable addition to your Christchurch itinerary.
13. Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial
On February 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial opened to the general public as a part of the Sixth-anniversary commemoration occasions.
The memorial remembers the 185 individuals who misplaced their lives and the survivors of the devastating earthquakes that shook town to its core.
14. Quake Metropolis
Quake Metropolis provides a compelling and academic expertise, offering insights into the impactful earthquake of 2011. Thiscurated exhibition takes guests via the occasions, aftermath, and rebuilding efforts with interactive shows, private tales, and recovered artifacts. It’s a poignant reminder of town’s resilience.
Positioned centrally, Quake Metropolis is accessible and fascinating for all ages, with an entry price of round NZD 20 for adults. The exhibition not solely educates about seismic exercise but additionally celebrates the energy and innovation of Christchurch within the face of adversity. A go to right here is important for understanding town’s latest historical past and the indomitable spirit of its individuals, making it a major and shifting addition to any Christchurch itinerary.
15. Turanga Metropolis Library
The most recent and most revolutionary improvement in Christchurch’s CBD is Turanga, the brand new metropolis library. Since its opening in 2018, the Turanga Library has grow to be one of many absolute should go to Christchurch points of interest for individuals round city. Cease by for a cuppa, climb the ‘Harry Potter Stairs’, get pleasure from panoramic metropolis views, loosen up with a e-book, and take part in most of the workshops!
Turanga is open from 9 am to eight pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to five pm Saturdays and Sundays. Free 45 minutes guided excursions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am.
16. Bridge of Remembrance
Constructed throughout 1923 to commemorate the New Zealand troopers who fought abroad throughout WWI, the bridge was reopened after the earthquake repairs in April 2016. This is among the most well-known picture spots on the town!
Simply meters from the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial, it marks the start of the model new promenade stroll. Relaxation assured you gained’t miss it!
17. Discover the Metropolis’s Road Artwork
Looking for world-class road artwork in Christchurch has grow to be one of many coolest actions when strolling round city. After the earthquakes, totally different initiatives gathered artists from New Zealand and abroad to deliver town again to life via funky road artwork!
Christchurch is now amongst the 39 Road Artwork Capitals of the world on the choice curated by the Lonely Planet. Guests may also use a free interactive map to information the hunt of road artwork round city.
18. Central Christchurch’s Avon Riverside Promenade
Beginning on Oxford’s Terrace, the brand new riverside Promenade extends alongside 2 km following the Avon River all the best way as much as the Margaret Mahy Playground.
Grassy areas, walkways, bridges, artwork, eateries, pubs and cycle lanes make up this undertaking that took 5 years to construct and was formally opened in November 2018. This space is rapidly changing into a full of life hub for night-owls trying to find dancing, reside music, craft beers, and creator cocktails.
19. New Malls and Galleries
Cashel St. has grow to be the procuring coronary heart of Central Christchurch. New markets, malls, and worldwide clothes shops are opening each few months.
The BNZ Centre and The Crossing are the most recent and brightest spots for grabbing lunch, having a espresso with associates and procuring.
Although these new developments didn’t come controversy-free! Folks nonetheless miss the well-known Re: Begin Container Mall that was torn aside not that way back.
20. The O.G.B. at The Heritage Lodge
Should you fancy a drink and a platter after an extended day scouring town, you may head to The Heritage Lodge, dwelling of the O.G.B. Bar Lounge.
Acknowledged as one of many high bars on the town, the constructing is value a go to by itself. It has nice ambiance, 1930’s décor fashion, and reside music. It’s my private favourite!
21. Isaac Royal Theatre
Opened in February 1908, this French Renaissance-style constructing has been internet hosting main exhibits for over 100 years!
It’s often closed throughout the day, however contemplating it’s simply meters from Cathedral Sq., it’s value to swing by and take a second to understand its façade!
22. Nightlife on Victoria Road
Tremendous and fashionable eating, a secret cocktail bar, the On line casino and a Clock Tower. That’s Victoria Road in brief! The chosen spot for these fancying a giant evening out!
23. Little Excessive Eatery
Opened in Might 2017, Little Excessive Eatery has grow to be the hippest munching spot on the town with an array of worldwide road meals. From South American barbeque to tailored-made burgers and Thai meals, head there if you happen to’d prefer to expertise one of many native’s high spots!
The place itself is value a go to as its set in an space of the CBD that also has numerous rebuilding works forward! For my part, that makes it much more attention-grabbing. Throughout lunch and dinner peak hours you may count on to be ready in line from 5 to twenty minutes
Little Excessive is positioned on 255 St Asaph Road, 4 blocks from Cathedral Sq.. Open from 8 am to 11 pm over weekends (10 pm on weekdays). It’s a superb possibility in case you are working late for dinner. Most locations on the town name it quits round 9ish!
Central Christchurch nonetheless has many streets and areas that haven’t been rebuilt. Removed from being intimidated or annoyed by it, totally different initiatives on the town are centered on sharing these areas with the group. The Christchurch Slackline crew and GapFiller set to create the brand new and first devoted Slacklining Park within the South Island
Many attention-grabbing issues are taking place due to the work of inventive social enterprises like GapFiller. Visiting any of those spots gives you a good concept of the inventive breeze spreading out throughout city!
25. Signal of the Bellbird
Climbing to the Signal of the Bellbird a should go to for panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains, Ohinetahi Reserve, and Lyttelton Harbour. This iconic path winds via lush landscapes, main you to an awe-inspiring vantage level the place the vastness of the Canterbury Plains unfolds earlier than your eyes
It’s an accessible journey for all ranges of hikers as you climb the two.5 mile (4 km) path resulting in a wide ranging spot that showcases the expansive great thing about the plains., Lyttelton Peninsula, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula.
26. Cathedral Sq.
The Christchurch cathedral has lengthy been one of many high points of interest in Christchurch. Sadly it was destroyed within the earthquake. I don’t imply to disappoint you, however the Cathedral nonetheless stands in ruins. It’s now scheduled to be rebuilt by 2027.
It’s nonetheless value visiting to be taught in regards to the New Zealand earthquakes and likewise, it’s not like you may skip it as that is the center of Central Christchurch! Learn: 14 Cool and Enjoyable Information About New Zealand
27. Margaret Mahy Playground
Opened in December 2015, that is the most important playground within the Southern Hemisphere. Only a 10 minutes’ stroll from Cathedral Sq., it’s a terrific place to benefit from the nice outside. The very best half is you don’t have to have the youngsters in tow to get pleasure from it! Everyone seems to be welcome right here!
28. Riccarton Bush Saturday Farmer’s Market
The Saturday Farmers Market is a traditional weekend plan for individuals residing and visiting Christchurch. Each Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, people on the town kick-start the weekend with a compulsory go to to the farmers’ market.
If you’re not round city throughout the weekend, head to the Riccarton Bush, the place the market takes place. Go to the Victorian Riccarton Home, the Rose Backyard, and Deans Cottage. Although this isn’t in Central Christchurch, it’s simply 3 km away!
29. Day Journey to Akaroa
Christchurch is a good place to make a base for locating the South Island of New Zealand. There are lots of issues to do from Christchurch and listed below are our high concepts.
A day journey to Akaroa is a should when visiting Christchurch. Only a scenic 90-minute drive away, this charming French and British settlement is nestled within the coronary heart of an historic volcano. Akaroa provides a mix of historical past, pure magnificence, and culinary delights.
Wander via its colonial structure, get pleasure from a harbor cruise to identify the uncommon Hector’s dolphins, or relish native delicacies in a waterfront café. Whether or not you’re exploring its boutique outlets or soaking within the gorgeous bay views, Akaroa offers a pleasant escape from town, showcasing a singular slice of New Zealand’s heritage and pure splendor. This picturesque village is a perfect getaway for these seeking to expertise the various choices of the Canterbury area.
When to go to Christchurch
Christchurch is an all-year-round vacation spot for these visiting New Zealand. Beware although that we’ve ‘island climate’ right here, which means that you may expertise many several types of climate throughout the identical day. Deliver layers of clothes to your go to, whatever the season!
Getting round Christchurch
A lot of the locations I’ve shared on this information are reachable inside strolling distance. That stated, I’d prefer to level out the two favourite methods to get round Central Christchurch!
The Christchurch Tramway – The well-known heritage tramway prices $ 35 NZD for adults and stops in many of the metropolis’s fundamental points of interest. Driving the tramway is among the should do actions in Christchurch in its personal proper.
Get a Lime Scooter! – Inexpensive and quick, all you want it to obtain the app, put your info and scan the QR code! Because the Lime Scooters have been launched into town simply over 6 months in the past, they turned the subsequent huge factor. Now you may see individuals using –and falling!- on the streets each minute. They’re in all places!
The place to Keep in Christchurch
The central metropolis provides a wide range of lodging choices, from Airbnb residences to totally serviced motel residences and hostels. You too can discover good lodging within the areas surrounding Hagley Park.
My private favourite place to remain in Christchurch is Riccarton, the neighborhood you attain when heading west from Central Christchurch. Search resorts on this Christchurch neighborhood.
The Mayfair is among the most extremely rated resorts in Christchurch. See charges and availability on Reserving.com
This text was originall written by Martina Grossi, an Argentinian journey and ex-pat blogger based mostly in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her weblog, The World Curious, evokes individuals to go on their first abroad journey wholeheartedly and fuelled by curiosity!
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